Mother and Baby homes inquiry must be survivor focused – Troy

15th December 2014

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Children Robert Troy is calling on the Children’s Minister James Reilly to ensure that the inquiry into Mother and Baby homes is issue driven and that the true facts of what happened in these homes is established. The terms of reference of the Commission of Investigation are due to be published in the New Year.

Deputy Troy commented, “Minister Reilly has confirmed that the draft terms of reference have been completed and that they’ll be brought to the first Cabinet meeting in January before being discussed in the Dáil the following week. While I welcome the fact that we have a clear schedule now, following months of uncertainty, it is extremely important that the inquiry is survivor driven and progressed in a non-partisan way.

“Once the terms of reference have been brought before the Cabinet, the Minister must outline a clear timeframe for the conclusion and publication of the findings of the inquiry. I remain hopeful that the Minister has listened to his opposition counterparts and that issues such as forced adoption, vaccine testing and medical trials will be examined as part of this investigation.

“It is essential all of the practices at these Mother and Baby homes are examined fully so that the survivors can be given the necessary support and counselling. The Minister should also ensure that extra resources are allocated to his department to facilitate a thorough, survivor focused inquiry”.

Hey Micheal Martin, whats this rubbish about you defending 180 Garda statements that didn't hold up in Court.. What strokes you trying to pulling in saving this broken institutions face.
A) Disband it, its too steeped in civil war politics.
B) Establish a new force with a separate investigative wing.
C) As the Police are a seperate institution to politics then make the new Commissioner an electable position to ensure public confidence instead of 'political' confidence (other countries do it)